Effect of Particle Size and Reused Organic Substrates on Tomato Crop Production

The bagasse of mezcal maguey and the fiber of coconut fruit are organic byproducts of the mezcal and copra agro-industries in Oaxaca, Mexico. The effects of different particle sizes and prior usage times as substrates on the production and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) were studied. Three independent and simultaneous experiments were conducted in multi-tunnel greenhouses. Three prior growing cycles of tomato crop, each 150 days in length days of use (DOU), were used for the usage time experiments with mezcal maguey bagasse as the growth medium. In the first experiment, tomato plants grown on substrate with 150 DOU produced the highest yields, the largest number of commercial quality fruits and the fewest non-commercial quality fruits. In the second experiment, the combination of fine particle size and maguey bagasse substrate with 150 DOU produced the highest yields. In the third experiment, fine and medium-sized particles of maguey bagasse and coconut fiber produced the highest yields. The data indicate that both coconut fiber and mezcal maguey bagasse can be used as substrates for tomato cultivation without affecting fruit quality; furthermore, the use of fine and medium-sized particles increases production. Maguey bagasse with up to 150 DOU as a substrate is best for culture, as prior usage beyond this length of time negatively affects production.     

Evaluation of radical scavenging activity of fresh and air-dried tomatoes by three model reactions.

The radical scavenging activity and the antioxidant content of fresh and air-dried tomatoes were investigated. Tomato halves were dried in a pilot-scale dryer under the following conditions: air temperature, 80 degrees C; air flow rate, 1.5 m/s; drying time, 400 min; final moisture, 25%. Carotenoid (lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein) and ascorbic acid were analyzed by HPLC with a spectrophotometric and an electrochemical detector, respectively. Total phenolics were determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The radical scavenging activity was studied in three model systems: (a) the xanthine oxidase and xanthine system, which generates superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide; (b) the 3-morpholinosydnonimine system, which releases spontaneously superoxide radical and nitrogen monoxide, forming peroxynitrite; (c) the linoleic acid and CuSO(4) system, which promotes lipid peroxidation. These model systems allow the simulation of key reactions involved in the pathogenesis of certain chronic diseases and may be related to the in vivo activity of tomato antioxidants. Hence, these measurements can be used for optimizing tomato processing and storage. The drying process resulted in a decrease of ascorbic acid content, whereas phenol reagent reducing compounds increased. Carotenoid levels were substantially unchanged upon drying. Fresh and air-dried tomato extracts could act as radical scavengers both in the reactive oxygen species-mediated reactions and in lipid peroxidation. Drying affected the antioxidant effectiveness as measured in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, which was found to be the most sensitive method for the measurement of tomato antioxidant activity (lower I(50)) but retained the antioxidant effectiveness in the other two systems.     

猪血蛋白水解物对盆栽樱桃番茄生长和品质的影响

  【目的】  研究外源喷施不同浓度猪血蛋白水解物 (PP)对樱桃番茄植株生长和品质的影响,以期为高产优质樱桃番茄生产提供理论参考。  【方法】  以樱桃番茄品种“盆栽红”为试验材料,采用基质栽培,设置3个PP浓度:0 g/L (CK)、1 g/L (PP1)、2 g/L (PP2),在开花期进行叶面喷施,整个生育期共喷施6次。樱桃番茄在第三穗果实完全成熟后收获,分析外源PP对樱桃番茄植株生长、光合作用、养分吸收以及果实品质的影响。  【结果】  PP1和PP2处理不同程度地增加了番茄地上部、根部以及果实中氮、磷、钾含量,显著提高了叶片叶绿素含量、净光合速率 (Pn)、蒸腾速率 (Tr)和气孔导度 (Gs),植株地上部鲜重比CK处理分别增加了18.2%和40.6%,干重分别增加了42.3%和57.4%,且PP2处理的效果好于PP1处理。与CK处理相比,PP2处理番茄的产量、单果重、横径、纵径和硬度分别增加了37.4%、26.6%、16.3%、10.3%和30.8%,并有效改善了果实色泽,提高了樱桃番茄的外观品质。PP2处理有利于樱桃番茄果实中可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、抗坏血酸和谷胱甘肽的积累,较CK分别增加了24.2%、25.5%、96.6%和30.9%;番茄果实中的总酚、类黄酮和花色素苷含量分别增加18.7%、33.3%和56.2%,DPPH自由基清除能力和铁还原抗氧化能力分别增加了27.7%和29.4%,显著提高了番茄果实的抗氧化活性。  【结论】  外源喷施2 g/L的猪血蛋白水解物能有效改善番茄植株的养分吸收和光合作用,促进植株生长和番茄品质的提升,是一种提高樱桃番茄产量、改善营养和功能性品质的高效有机措施。     

Effect of increased cobalt treatments on cobalt concentration and growth of tomato plants

An experiment developed in soilless culture was used to study the effect of several levels of Co²⁺ (0, 5, 15, and 30 mg L^‐1 ) on the growth of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum M. cv. Ramy). Absorption, transport, and accumulation of this metal in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits were also studied. Uptake was increased by application of this metal concentration in the nutrient solution, efficiency of root uptake of cobalt decreased with increased Co²⁺ treatment in the soilless culture system. The translocation of Co²⁺ from roots to aerial vegetative parts was increased with the time of experiment and Co²⁺ concentration in the nutrient solution. The presence of this metal in nutrient solution reduced tomato leaf production and elongation, specially at higher treatments.     

循环式海绵基质培设施结构和性能的研究与应用

循环式海绵基质培是根据世界无土栽培技术发展趋势和中国具体国情进行试验设计、研制而成的新型无土栽培设备。其主要特点是：1)基质用量少，成本低；2)供排液分开，避免根际病害传播；3)配套营养液生物过滤装置，提高系统安全稳定性；4)营养液供给自动控制。循环式海绵基质培由贮液池、农用海绵基质（黑白双色膜包被）、双层槽式集液系统、营养液滴灌系统及自控设备、营养液生物过滤系统等组成。循环式海绵基质培在中国东南沿海地区一年可以栽培两茬果菜，亩产量达10000 kg以上，亩产值1.5万元以上，适合农业示范园区内的大型温室应用。     

循环式海绵基质培设施结构和性能的研究与应用

循环式海绵基质培是根据世界无土栽培技术发展趋势和中国具体国情进行试验设计、研制而成的新型无土栽培设备.其主要特点是1)基质用量少,成本低;2)供排液分开,避免根际病害传播;3)配套营养液生物过滤装置,提高系统安全稳定性;4)营养液供给自动控制.循环式海绵基质培由贮液池、农用海绵基质(黑白双色膜包被)、双层槽式集液系统、营养液滴灌系统及自控设备、营养液生物过滤系统等组成.循环式海绵基质培在中国东南沿海地区一年量达10000 kg以上,亩产值1.5万元以上,适合农业示范园区内的大型温室应用.     

Study on Effects of Different Medium Compositions on Growth and Seedling Quality of Two Tomato Varieties Under Greenhouse Conditions

This research was conducted to investigate the effects of different medium compositions on physicochemical properties and the growth of two tomato varieties. Five treatments were applied, combining medium composition with rice husk ash (RHS) and coconut fiber (CF) with the following proportions: 1/3 Peat moss + 1/3 rice husk ash + 1/3 coconut fiber (T1); 1/3 Vermicompost + 1/3 rice husk ash + 1/3 coconut fiber (T2); 1/3 Cattle manure compost + 1/3 rice husk ash + 1/3 coconut fiber (T3); 1/3 Chicken manure compost + 1/3 rice husk ash + 1/3 coconut fiber (T4); 1/3 Hog manure compost + 1/3 rice husk ash + 1/3 coconut fiber (T5). The results demonstrated that between pH, electrical conductivity (EC) value, and nutrient content in the media, there was a significant difference that led to different concentrations of total macro- and micronutrients in the shoots of both varieties. In addition, the root weight, shoot weight, and root volume were affected by medium composition for two varieties in seedling stage. A mixture of cattle manures composted with RHS and CF under the rate (1:1:1 by volume), respectively, gave the highest value of germination rate, plant height, leaf number, and plant biomass. Medium composition significantly influenced the germination rate and elongation of seedlings, specifically for each tomato variety. Therefore, cattle manure compost as a medium supplement improves seedling quality and growth of the two tomato varieties.     

不同木薯渣形态和添加比例对番茄产量品质及抗氧化能力的影响

  【目的】  为积极应对我国基质生产原料草炭紧缺的难题,提升农业废弃物的综合利用水平,研究木薯渣形态和添加比例在番茄生产上的应用效果,以期为木薯渣在番茄无土栽培上的推广应用提供理论依据。  【方法】  以‘千禧’樱桃番茄 (QX) 和‘传奇2号’大番茄 (CQ) 为试材,进行了槽栽试验。通过计算机模拟,共配置了4个栽培基质,包括草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩∶粉状木薯渣 = 5∶5∶5∶5 (T1);草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩∶颗粒状木薯渣 = 5∶5∶5∶5 (T2);草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩∶颗粒状木薯渣 = 6∶4∶4∶6 (T3) 和草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩∶粉状木薯渣 = 4∶4∶4∶8 (T4)。以常规基质草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩=10∶5∶5为对照 (CK)。测定了各栽培基质的理化性状和养分含量,调查了番茄生长和果实产量及品质。  【结果】  CQ和QX番茄在T1和T4处理下,其茎粗、根系活力、地下部和地上部干重均显著高于CK,且T1处理下增幅大于T4;T2和T3处理下,果实品质和抗氧化能力显著高于CK,且T2处理下增幅大于T3处理,T2处理下,CQ和QX番茄中可溶性糖、可溶性固形物含量、糖酸比、维生素C、番茄红素、可溶性蛋白和总酚含量分别较CK提高42.5%、29.4%、26.7%、21.0%、25.1%、51.1%、17.1%和28.0%、26.3%、19.4%、46.0%、22.4%、19.0%、25.8%,果实总抗氧化能力和DPPH自由基清除能力分别较CK提高51.9%、44.0%和40.4%、72.4%;T1处理下产量显著高于其它处理,CQ和QX番茄产量分别较CK提高15.6%和33.7%;两品种番茄的综合评价均为T1 > T4 > T2 > T3 > CK。  【结论】  添加颗粒状和粉状木薯渣均能不同程度地提高基质的pH、电导率、容重及速效氮、速效磷和速效钾含量,且颗粒状木薯渣处理提高幅度大于粉状木薯渣处理,但添加颗粒状木薯渣的基质气水比亦增加,持水性不如粉状木薯渣。4个配方中,以木薯渣替代一半草炭的增产提质效果最好,超过一半效果显著降低。在替代一半草炭的两个配方中,添加颗粒状木薯渣 (T2) 提高番茄品质的效果最佳,而添加粉状木薯渣 (T1) 的番茄产量最高。DTOPSIS综合分析,T1处理下的C_i值最大。因此,推荐草炭∶蛭石∶珍珠岩:粉状木薯渣=5∶5∶5∶5 (T1) 配方基质作为番茄无土栽培专用基质进行推广应用。     

High rates of gasified rice hull biochar affect geranium and tomato growth in a soilless substrate

Gasified rice hull biochar (GRHB) is a by-product of rice production, where rice hulls are gasified to generate energy for other aspects of rice processing.Other research studies have shown that GRHB up to 10% (v/v) in a soilless substrate can provide much, but not all, of a potted floriculture crops' phosphorus and potassium needs. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of higher GRHB rates on floriculture crop nutrition and growth. Two experiments were conducted with GRHB rates ranging from 0 to 30% (v/v) of a soilless peat moss-based substrate. Geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum “Maverick Red”) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum “Megabite”) were grown in 10-cm diameter pots with amended substrates. Addition of GRHB up to 30% affected the physical properties of the peat moss-based substrate by increasing container capacity (CC) and decreasing unavailable water (UAW). Summarizing across the two experiments, amending a peat moss substrate with 15–20% GRHB provided sufficient phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for production of geranium and tomato in soilless substrates over a 5- to 6-week production cycle. However, GRHB did not provide a sufficient source of micronutrients to support crop growth. Geranium responded negatively to high rates (>10%) with reduced shoot and root growth, while tomato responded positively to higher rates with increased shoot growth. Higher rates of GRHB (>10%) can be recommended for some crops, but not all.     

Peroxyl radical scavenging capacity, polyphenolics, and lipophilic antioxidant profiles of mulberry fruits cultivated in southern China

Twenty-seven cultivars of mulberry fruits ( Morus atropurpurea Roxb) were analyzed for their total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and peroxyl radical scavenging capacities. The proanthocyanidin contents of the fruit were also quantified using 4-dimethylamino-cinnamaldehyde assay, and characterization was attempted using electrospray ionization mass spectra. The phenolic compounds of mulberry fruits were characterized using HPLC with ESI-MS and diode array detection. Results showed that the content of mulberry fruits varied with different cultivars with total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, total proanthocyanidin content, and peroxyl radical scavenging capacities ranging from 0.060-0.244, 0.001-0.056, 0.001-0.015, and 0.301-1.728, respectively. Good correlations were observed among the phenolic, anthocyanin, and proanthocyanidin contents and the radical scavenging capacities of mulberry fruits. Mulberry fruits were found to contain low amount of proanthocyanidins. The high total phenolic content of mulberry fruits were mainly contributed by anthocyanins, rutin, and chlorogenic acids. The lipid soluble antioxidants are profiled by an HPLC method developed in-house, and the results of selected mulberry fruits revealed significant amounts of lutein and delta- and gamma-tocopherols but low alpha-tocopherol. Our results provide useful antioxidant nutritional information of a mulberry cultivar that has potential for large scale plantations.     

Changes in antioxidant content of tomato fruits in response to cultivar and nutrient solution composition

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cationic proportions (K/Ca/Mg) in the nutrient solution on fruit quality (quality attributes and antioxidant content) using a high-pigment, 'Lunarossa', tomato cultivar and a standard tomato cultivar ('Corfù') grown in soilless culture. Treatments were defined by a factorial combination of three nutrient solutions having different cationic proportions and two indeterminately growing round tomato cultivars. A high proportion of K in the nutrient solution increased the quality attributes (fruit dry matter, total soluble solids content) and the lycopene content of tomato fruit, whereas a high proportion of Ca improved tomato fruit yield and reduced the incidence of blossom-end rot (BER). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed in the treatment with a high proportion of Mg in the Lunarossa cultivar. The high-pigment hybrid has provided a higher antioxidant content (lycopene and alpha-tocopherol content) than the commercial hybrid, but it was more susceptible to BER and consequently less productive.     

不同种类及加工方式对杂粮酸奶体外抗氧化活性的比较

为探究杂粮品种及加工方式对杂粮酸奶体外抗氧化活性的影响,选择小米、黄米、燕麦、藜麦、糙米、荞麦、高粱米7种杂粮为原料,经过蒸制、煮制、打浆3种常见加工方式,比较其多酚含量及抗氧化活性,对特性较好的杂粮经恰当处理后与牛奶共发酵制备酸奶,研究该杂粮酸奶的多酚含量及抗氧化活性,开发具备抗氧化活性的杂粮酸奶。结果表明,7种杂粮的之间的抗氧化能力存在显著（P<0.05）差异,采用抗氧化综合（antioxidant potency composite,APC）指数法评定杂粮的抗氧化活性,发现抗氧化活性最高的杂粮为荞麦。进一步对荞麦进行加工处理,发现蒸制处理后其抗氧化活性优于煮制和打浆。将蒸制的荞麦与牛奶混合制备酸奶,制成的荞麦酸奶总酚含量为52.85 mg/100g,是普通酸奶的5.16倍;且其抗氧化能力显著高于普通酸奶（P<0.05）。该研究为功能性杂粮酸奶的开发提供借鉴。     

Studies on the antioxidant activity of Echinacea root extract

Methanol extracts of freeze-dried Echinacea (E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) roots were examined for free radical scavenging capacities and antioxidant activities. Root extracts of E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea were capable of scavenging hydroxyl radical. Similar scavenging activities for each variety were found for both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and ABTS radical. Meanwhile, antioxidant activities of all three varieties of Echinacea were found to delay the formation of conjugated diene hydroperoxide induced by the thermal decomposition of 2, 2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride and extend the lag phase of peroxidation of soybean liposomes. Echinacea root extracts suppressed the oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein, as evaluated by reduced agarose electrophoretic mobility following oxidative modification by Cu(2+). The mechanisms of antioxidant activity of extracts derived from Echinacea roots included free radical scavenging and transition metal chelating.     

椰糠条栽培番茄的蒸腾反馈智能灌溉系统研制

为满足番茄椰糠条栽培条件下自动精量灌溉的需要,该研究研制了一套蒸腾反馈智能灌溉系统,包括蒸腾检测组件、通信组件、决策组件和灌溉组件。蒸腾检测组件基于压力传感器测定番茄蒸腾量;决策组件基于椰糠条的持水特性和番茄蒸腾量的变化建立了灌溉精量控制模型,精确控制水泵启动和关闭,使灌溉量根据作物蒸腾量的多少变化,并根据回液量及其电导率(Electrical Conductivity,EC)值变化判断调用正常灌溉模式或淋洗模式,使椰糠条始终处于适宜的含水量范围内,保持一定的水气比,以利于番茄根系生长和吸收营养液,解决灌溉不足造成的干旱胁迫和灌溉太多造成的营养液浪费和回液处理量大的问题;通信组件用于各模块间信号的传递。以荷兰RIDDER公司研发的基于光辐射积累量控制的灌溉系统为对照,检验该蒸腾反馈智能灌溉系统的应用效果。结果表明,在番茄盛果期,该系统的灌溉量比对照增加9.4%,回液量减少18%,且回液EC值比较稳定;与定时灌溉相比,减少灌溉量32%,减少回液量57%,有更多的营养液被植物吸收利用。栽培效果显示,使用该系统灌溉的番茄产量、株高、节数与使用荷兰RIDDER公司研制的灌溉系统的没有显著差异,取得了与之相同的灌溉效果;而且,在5 000 m~2温室内设备设计使用年限10 a条件下,该智能灌溉系统年运行成本与之相比还降低了20.8%,并能够满足自动精量灌溉的需求。若根据基质类型不同调整灌溉控制模型参数,该系统也可应用于岩棉条栽培、混合基质盆栽等其他无土栽培的智能精量灌溉。     

农大4号与DS-1欧李正、反交F1代果实品质的遗传变异分析

为探究欧李果实品质的遗传规律,本研究选用欧李农大4号与DS-1及其正、反交后代群体为试验材料,测定双亲及后代群体果实的平均单果重、核重、纵横径、果形指数、可溶性固形物含量、类黄酮含量、总酚含量及抗氧化能力(DPPH、FRAP、ABTS),对其后代遗传规律进行分析。结果表明,所测定的指标均呈现正态或偏正态分布,呈连续变异,为多基因控制的数量遗传性状。纵径、横径、果形指数和可溶性固形物含量的变异系数均小于20%,后代未出现广泛分离,选择潜力较小,其中果形指数的变异系数最小,选择潜力最小,这与大多数欧李果实呈现扁圆形的情况一致。平均单果重、核重、类黄酮含量、总酚含量和抗氧化能力的变异系数均超过20%,后代广泛分离,选择潜力较大,尤其以平均单果重的选择潜力最大。平均单果重、纵横径受父本影响较大,以大果为父本时更易选出大果后代。果形指数不受父母本影响。可溶性固形物含量和核重表现明显的衰退变异,为趋小性遗传。以高类黄酮、总酚含量和抗氧化能力的植株为母本时,后代更易选出高类黄酮、总酚含量和抗氧化能力的优株。相关性分析将表型特征与内在物质含量相联系,为初步判断物质含量奠定重要基础。主成分分析提取了包括清除ABTS自由基和类黄酮含量的第一主成分和包括纵横径的第二主成分。聚类分析筛选出了具有较高生物活性、较强抗氧化能力和果实较大等不同特征的优株,可根据育种目标加以重点利用。本研究为欧李育种提供了重要参考的意义。     

Effects of Nutrient and NaCl Salinity on Growth,Yield, Quality and Composition of Pepper Grown in Soilless Closed System

The effects of nutrient or sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity on pepper grown in closed soilless culture systems were studied. A control (2 dS m^?1) and two saline nutrient solutions (4 dS m^?1) differing in the salt sources (fertilizers or NaCl) were studied. Shoot biomass production as well as total and marketable yield were more affected by NaCl than nutrient salinity. Fruit dry matter and total soluble solids increased in both salinity treatments compared to the control. Total phenol content rose slightly (10%) with NaCl salinity, while the concentration of carotenoids was enhanced by 40% with NaCl compared to the control and nutrient salinity. The results showed that the response of pepper to salinity is both osmotic and ion specific, but a more negative effect was recorded under NaCl stress. Moreover, the highest content of antioxidant compounds in NaCl treated fruits may indicate that NaCl caused more stressful conditions than nutrient salinity.     

广东石豆兰不同溶剂提取物抗氧化及与总黄酮、总酚含量的关系

为明确广东石豆兰的抗氧化能力及抗氧化成分,以鳞茎为材料,以甲醇、乙醇、丙酮和乙酸乙酯为提取剂得到4种提取物,测定了4种提取物中总黄酮、总酚含量及其抗氧化活性,并分析了两者之间的关系。结果表明,石豆兰总酚含量高于总黄酮,乙醇为总酚和总黄酮2种物质的最佳提取溶剂;甲醇提取物对羟基自由基清除力和对Fe²⁺的螯合力最强,对DPPH自由基清除效果最差;丙酮提取物具有最强的总还原力和清除超氧阴离子的能力,而清除羟基自由基能力最弱;乙酸乙酯提取物清除DPPH自由基的能力最强,但总还原力、清除超氧阴离子的能力、Fe²⁺的螯合力最弱。此外,除了DPPH自由基外,其他4个抗氧化指标与总黄酮或总酚含量呈正相关(0.185<r<0.969),总还原力与总黄酮含量呈显著相关。本研究结果为广东石豆兰抗氧化物质的提取及进一步开发利用提供了参考依据。     

Novel mechanism of modulating natural antioxidants in functional foods: involvement of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria NRRL B-30488

The significance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediated increase in antioxidant potential in vegetables is yet unknown. The plant growth-promoting bacterium Bacillus lentimorbus NRRL B-30488 (B-30488) mediated induction of dietary antioxidant in vegetables ( Trigonella foenum-graecum, Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, and Daucus carota) and fruit ( Citrus sinensis) after minimal processing (fresh, boiled, and frozen) was tested by estimating the total phenol content, level of antioxidant enzymes, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide scavenging activities along with integral radical scavenging capacity by photochemiluminescence assay and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Minimal processing of vegetables showed that T. foenum-graecum had the highest phenol content in B-30488-treated plants followed by L. sativa, D. carota, and S. oleracea. Thermally treated vegetables T. foenum-graecum (26-114.5 GAE microg mg (-1)) had an exceptionally high total phenolic content, followed by D. carota (25.27-101.32 GAE microg mg (-1)), L. sativa (23.22-101.10 GAE microg mg (-1)), and S. oleracea (21.87-87.57 GAE microg mg (-1)). Among the vegetables and fruit used in this study for enzymatic estimation, induction of antioxidant enzymes, namely, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), and superoxidase dismutase (SOD), was observed in edible parts of T. foenum-graecum, L. sativa, S. oleracea, and D. carota, after inoculation with B-30488. The scavenging capacity of the vegetables treated with B-30488 against DPPH and superoxide anion radical activity was found to be significantly high as compared to nontreated control. Mild food processing had no adverse effect on radical scavenging capacity. Photochemiluminescence also ascertains the above findings. The ability of the plant extracts to protect against lipid peroxidation and its ability to prevent oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured in rat liver homogenate, and the results suggested that the inoculated plant exhibited better activity in all of the screened plants. Significant increases in shoot length, root length, and dry weight, averaging 164, 132, and 135% in T. foenum-graecum, 174, 141, and 156% in L. sativa, 129, 141, and 59%, in S. oleracea, and 125, 146, and 42% in D. carota, respectively, over untreated controls, were attained in greenhouse trials. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of PGPR-mediated induction of antioxidant enzyme activity (PPO, APX, CAT, and SOD) along with the antioxidant activity of the extracts in both in vitro (DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide scavenging) and ex vivo conditions using the rat liver tissue (percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation and prevention of oxidation of GSH) and phenolic content. The results demonstrate the PGPR-mediated induction of antioxidant level in vegetables and fruit controls oxidative damage even after minimal processing and thus is indicative of its potential as a viable substitute of synthetic antioxidants.     

Composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Xylopia aethiopica (Dun) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) leaves, stem bark, root bark, and fresh and dried fruits, growing in Ghana

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the leaves, the barks of the stem and the root, as well as from the fresh and dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica, growing in Ghana, was investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses. Kovats indices, mass spectra, and standard compounds were used to identify a total of 93 individual compounds. The monoterpene hydrocarbons formed the main portion in all studied samples. beta-Pinene was predominant in all cases, while trans-m-mentha-1(7),8-diene was the main compound in the essential oils of the leaves and the barks of roots and stems. Their potential antioxidant activity was also investigated and found to be significant in scavenging superoxide anion radical.     

电解水对荞麦芽酚酸含量及抗氧化能力的影响

为了能够更好地将发芽荞麦用作制备功能食品的原料,本研究采用理化指标不同的电解水制备荞麦芽,考察荞麦的发芽率及芽长、总酚含量、DPPH和ABTS自由基清除能力,以及铁离子还原力在发芽期间的动态变化,并分析各处理组发芽第7天荞麦芽中游离酚和结合酚种类和含量。结果表明,在7 d观测期内,电解水有利于荞麦发芽及生长。不同评价方法测定荞麦芽抗氧化能力的结果显示,pH值11.13电解水处理组发芽1~3 d荞麦芽总酚含量及抗氧化水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而pH值3.21、pH值5.02和pH值9.02电解水处理组发芽5~7 d荞麦芽总酚含量及抗氧化水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。各处理组荞麦芽中主要的游离酚均为绿原酸,且电解水处理组荞麦芽游离绿原酸含量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。自来水处理组荞麦芽主要结合酚为香豆酸,而电解水处理组荞麦芽主要结合酚为咖啡酸。本研究结果为电解水应用于功能性荞麦芽的制备提供了理论依据。